Because the cliche is true -- the way to a man's heart is through his stomach -- plan on making Father's Day extra special by giving Dad the day off and plying him with his favorite foods. Most dads are easy-to-please kind of guys, so it's not necessary to add a lot of fussy food to the dinner menu on that special Sunday set aside to honor all fathers.

We've created a slightly macho menu based on Dad's desires, according to those who know him best: you. Nearly 2,500 people responded to a Better Homes and Gardens survey about dads that was posted on bhg.com. According to those who took the survey, Dad's favorite meal includes steak and potatoes, corn on the cob, and pie or ice cream -- preferably both.

This easy meal means that kids can help Mom with some of the prep work in the kitchen and still have plenty of time to decorate a homemade card, tussle with Dad on the floor, or take him outside for a game of catch. Teens in the family might want to burn a compact disc for Dad, with his favorite tunes or songs that feature father and family themes.

 

Because one of Dad's favorite predinner munchies is a bowl of chips with dip, treat him to a homemade version. They're one of those quick fixes that wind up making a yummy impression. In this case, the crispy snacks are prepared from fresh corn tortillas or flavored flour tortillas with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. These chips are baked, making them extremely crispy without extra oils. They're ready in 10 minutes, giving the kids plenty of time to stir together the ingredients for Salsa and Cheese Dip.

View crispy tortilla chips recipe

View salsa and cheese dip recipe

 

The basic seared steak takes on a bold profile when topped with a thick slice of sizzling bacon and a homemade steak sauce that adds a hint of fruity sweetness.

View sizzling steak recipe

View peach steak sauce recipe

View roasted potato kabobs recipe

View skillet-toasted corn salad recipe

 

For dessert, we took a cue from the story of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" to create Big, Bigger, Biggest Plum Pies that are easy for little helping hands. The pies can be made in three sizes: junior pies for the small fries in your family, medium-size pies, or great, big Papa Bear portions. Bake one, two, or all three pies, depending on how many people you're serving.

One of the best things about the pies is the fact that they start with purchased pastry that you cut to size, pile with yummy plums and apricots, and top with another piece of pastry. Pinch and roll the edges together to seal in all the goodies before slipping it into the oven on a baking sheet or pizza pan. Serve it up with a scoop or two of ice cream for a delicious finish to your Father's Day.

View big, bigger, biggest plum pies recipe

Originally published in Better Homes and Gardens magazine, June 2004.

More Father's Day recipes